Punch Short de Punch

The Punch Short de Punch is a modern, medium‑bodied Cuban robusto‑short that has quickly become a favourite for those wanting classic Punch character in a compact format. Hand‑rolled at the La Corona factory, this Paraisos vitola measures 120 mm (4¾") with a 50 ring gauge and offers around 45–60 minutes of smoking time, using long‑filler tobaccos from the prestigious Vuelta Abajo region. Launched in 2019/20, it was the first new regular‑production Punch in over two decades and is widely praised for packing more flavour and body than the traditionally milder image of the brand might suggest, sitting firmly in the medium category for both strength and flavour.

About Punch Cigars

Founded around 1840 with a clear focus on the British market and named after the satirical Punch magazine (and its Mr Punch character), Punch is one of Cuba’s oldest brands and has long been associated with rich, earthy, medium‑to‑full cigars. Today, Punch cigars are still made in Cuba using time‑honoured methods, often alongside Hoyo de Monterrey in the same factory, and they retain a reputation for balanced, robust blends that appeal to both long‑time aficionados and newer smokers who enjoy a classic Cuban profile with a little extra attitude.

Punch Short de Punch – Tasting Notes

The Short de Punch shows the balanced refinement that has made Punch popular, with a flavourful, medium‑bodied profile.

Initial third:
Opens with notes of roasted peanuts, cedar and dark chocolate, along with the classic Punch mix of earth and gentle fruitiness. A subtle pepper tingle (more paprika than black pepper) and a slightly dry, salty mouthfeel appear early, while hints of honey and vanilla cream begin to emerge to soften the edges.

Middle third:
The cigar develops a creamy, woody and nutty character, with more pronounced vanilla, oak and baking spices. Dried fruit and earthiness add complexity, and the retrohale shows smooth spice and a touch of sweetness, keeping the profile firmly medium‑bodied and very approachable.

Final third:
The finish is rich and balanced, featuring notes reminiscent of honey‑wheat pretzel, toasted barley and oak, with a lingering gentle sweetness. Cinnamon, mossy forest tones and a touch of raw peanut round out the experience, with the cigar managing to straddle a line between confectionary sweetness and classic, slightly rustic Cuban complexity.

Aroma & pairings:
Expect an aromatic bouquet of cedar, nuts, earth and faint floral and honey notes, typical of medium Punch cigars. It pairs particularly well with Scotch whisky, bourbon or Bas Armagnac (highlighting its nutty and spicy notes) or with a rich espresso or Colombian coffee for a more relaxed, indulgent pairing.

English Market Selection (EMS) stock for the UK.

Free UK delivery on orders over £50.

Fun Facts About Punch & the Short de Punch

First new regular Punch in 20+ years: The Short de Punch was the first standard‑portfolio Punch release in more than two decades, introduced in 2019 and reaching key markets like the UK from 2020 onwards.

Unique factory vitola: Its Paraisos format (120 mm x 50) is a unique size within Habanos – essentially a “petit robusto‑plus” – designed to suit modern smoking windows while still delivering a full, robust experience.

British roots: Punch has always had a strong association with the UK: it was created for the British market, named after the Punch magazine, and became especially popular with British smokers for its medium‑rich style.

Shared history with Hoyo: Since the early 20th century, Punch has been closely linked with Hoyo de Monterrey, and the two brands have often been produced in the same factories, including today’s La Corona facility, reinforcing their shared heritage.

Other Cuban Robustos With Similar Smoke Time

If you enjoy the Short de Punch’s 45–60 minute robusto‑short format, these Cuban cigars offer similar smoking times with different house styles:

Cohiba Robusto – A benchmark 4⅞" x 50 robusto with a creamy, medium‑to‑full profile of grass, honey, coffee and subtle spice; a touch more refined and aromatic, and ideal as a “special” counterpart to the Punch.

H. Upmann Connoisseur No.2 – A modern robusto‑type Upmann with a gentle, creamy medium body, emphasising nuts, bread, cedar and honeyed sweetness – great if you want something softer than Punch but with comparable smoke time.

Partagás Serie D No.4 – The classic 4⅞" x 50 Partagás robusto, offering earth, wood, pepper and cocoa in a fuller, more muscular style; think of it as the stronger, more traditional cousin to the Short de Punch.

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 – A 4⅞" x 50 robusto with a lighter, aromatic profile of cream, floral notes, nuts and soft spice; ideal if you enjoy the size but prefer a gentler flavour.

Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchill – Slightly longer smoking time thanks to its 55 ring gauge, but still in the same ballpark, offering a creamy, nutty, medium profile with plenty of aroma and a more luxurious feel in the hand.

You can browse many more options here: Buy Cuban Cigars Online | Fine Cigars Club.

FAQ – Punch Short de Punch

How long does the Punch Short de Punch take to smoke?
Most retailers and reviewers estimate around 45–60 minutes, depending on how slowly you smoke, thanks to its dense 4¾" x 50 format.

Is it suitable for beginners?
With its medium body and flavour, it can work for newer smokers who already have some experience, but its complexity and Punch “twang” are especially appreciated by intermediate and seasoned aficionados.

How does it compare to other Punch cigars?
The Short de Punch is generally considered slightly fuller and more flavourful than older, milder Punch vitolas, while still very much in the brand’s classic medium, woody‑nutty, subtly fruity style.

What’s the best time of day to smoke it?
Its medium body and 45–60 minute length make it versatile – ideal after lunch, late afternoon or as a “short” evening cigar when you don’t want to commit to a full Churchill or double robusto.